Stamping-machine.



C. W. GRAY- STAMPING MACHINE. APPLIOATION FILED FEB. 2v,

1905. BBNEWIID DEO. 3. 1906.

= Fiyi. 3 7 f j PATENTED MAB.. 5, 1907.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTEDYMAR. 5, 1907. C. W. GRAY. STAMPING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 27, 1905. RENEWED DEO. 3. 1906.

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CHARLES W. GRAY, OF CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE.

STAMPING-IVIACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented March 5, 1907.

Application filed February' 27, 1905. Renewed December 3, 1906. Serial No. 346.165.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES W. GRAY, a citizen of the. United States, residing at Chattanooga, in the cornty of Hamilton and State of Tennessee, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Stamping- Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, concise, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming apart of this specification.

My invention relates to machines for sealing envelops and applying postage-stamps thereto, and has for its general object the provision of a machine of an improved construction and design that will very effectively operate to perform these frnctions.

More specifically my invention has for one of its objects the provision of a machine of the class described whereby envelops may effectively be sealed notwithstanding the bulk I of their contentswithin the range of the mechanism and the stamps effectively applied thereto. To this end I employ a sectional plrnger that desirably, though not necessarily, is depressed by a pivoted lever, one section of the ph' nger being contractible while the other is preferably not coiitractible. One of the sections of the plrnger serves to operate a stamp-applying plate, while the other serves to operate a plate adapted to seal the envelops. The stamp applying plate and the plate for sealing the envelops move in opposite directions, to which end a supporting-plate for the envelops to be sealed and stamped is interposed between the same, the stamp-applying plate desirably working through an opening in this supporting-plate, so that as the hand-lever is rotated the envelop-sealing plate is moved downward toward said foundation-plate and the stampapplying plate is moved upward through an opening in said f oundation-plate. This opening in the foundation-plate vmay, withthe stamp-applying plate moving therein, constitute the magazine for the stamps, and in order that the stamps may be applied and the envelops sealed the flaps of the envelops and the portions of the envelops that are to receive the stamps are moistened through the' agency of any suitable moistener, whereafter the envelop is interposed between the sealing-plate and the stamp-afiixing plate and the lever operated to seal and stamp the, interposed envelop. The non-contractible" section of the plunger is preferably fixed to the sealing-plate, while the contractible section of the plunger preferably effects the operation of the stamp-aflixing plate.

It is another object of my invention to provide accessibility to the magazine for the stamps, to which end the mounting for the plunger is displaceable, said plunger-mounting being desirably hinged to the aforesaid foundation-plate, whereby whenever it is desired to load the stamp-magazine, (whose walls are the walls of the opening in the foundation-plate and whose bottom is the movable stamp-aflixing plate,) the mounting for the plunger may be swung back. The section of the plunger that-is contractible desirably has separable` engagement with the stamp-aifixing plate, while a restoring-spring is desirably provided for the entire lunger. to elevate the sealing-plate and permit restoration of the stamping-plate. The pin forming a part of the mechanism directly coperating with the stamping plate projects through the foundationplate, while the plunger carries an ear or an extension that projects rearwardly sufficiently to permit engagement thereof with the said pin, the said ear desirably having a downward projection for engaging the said pin.

l wicll explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a front elevation of a machine constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof. 3 is a plan View with the plunging mechanism removed. Fig. 4 is a detail view, partially in section and partially in elevation, showin the plunger and parts immediately associate therewith. Fig. 5 is a view in elevation and partially in section, showing the plunging mechanism swung to one side. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view on line a al of Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a view in elevation, partially` in section, of that much of the mechanism appearing in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an end elevation, partially in section, showing the plunger in its vertical position. Fig. 9 is a sectional -plan View illustrating the magazine and the locking device for holding the plunger in a vertical position.

Like parts are indicated by similai` characters of reference throughout the different figures.

' The foundation-plate 1 that I have hitherto spoken of preferably constitutes the top of ICO IIO

a bottomless box that contains the stampapplying mechanism and the mechanism whereby the plunger and the sealing-plate may be temporarily displaced. This foun- (lation-plate has an opening 2, which is desirably flanged to afford a space in which postage-stamps may be received.

' spage 2 there is a movable plate 3, that constitutes a bottom of a magazine that is thus established for the stamps. A spring-barrel 4 is preferably secured to the bottom of the plate 3, in which a spring 5 is received, that engages an intermediately-pivoted lever 6, said lever having its mounting in the side walls of the box containing the stamp-affixing mechanism. The end of the lever 6 opposite that engaging the spring 5 is articulated to a plunger-pin 7, which is operated by the mechanism hereafter to be set forth to effect a vertical movement of the elements 3, 4, and 5, whereby the top-most stamp may be applied to an envelop, this stamp issuing through the foundation-plate 1. In order that the stamp may be applied and the envelop at the same time sealed, there is provideda sealing-plate 8, upwardly from which projects an operating-plunger formed of the rod 9, a reduction 10 thereof, perferably screwed thereto, and a contractible section 11, preferably in the form of a coil-spring.

` In order that the spring 11 may be held and effectively united with the actuating element 12 that is to engage the pin 7, said spring 1 1 is desirably surrounded by a sleeve 13, slidable upon the section 9, and to which sleeve the element 12 is secured. The upper end of this sleeve has connected therewith a link 14, that is connected with the hand-lever 15, pivoted at one end to a vertical arm 16, the said hand-lever having a pin 17 working within a slot 18 in another vertical arm 1i, whereby the said hand-lever may be guided in its rotation, said slot being concentric with the pivotal mounting for said hand-lever. The lower section 9 10 of the plunger has a footplate 19, in which there is provided a recess 20, in which recess a st-rap 21 may be contained, this strap being screwed to the sealing-plate 8, having a recess therein that receives the foot-plate 19. This connection between the stem and the sealing-plate is dcsirably so flexible as to permit a slight tilting of said plate, so that an envelop whose contents are not of uniform thickness may effectively be scaled. The element 12 preferably includes a downwardly-projecting pin 12, alined with the pin 7, but preferably separable therefrom. The plunger preferably has a tubular guide 22, that is made mechanically a part of the same structure that includes the arms 16 and 18. This tubular guide 22 is closed at its bottom, and in the space afforded between the interior surface thereof and the part 10 a restoring-spring 23 is disposed, which is placed under compresl only stamp taken being thatapplied to the 13o ln this sion when the plunger. is moved downwardly and which spring upon its expansion restores the plunger.

When an envelop is to be stamped and sealed, its fiap is moistened and also that portion of the address-surface that is to receive the stamp, whereafter it is interposed, address-face downward, between the sealing plate 8 and the foundation-plate 1, ,whereafter the lever 15 is depressed, causing the plunger comprising the elements 9, 10, and 11 to be moved downwardly, whereby the said plate 8 is depressed and permitted to swing slightly in case the contents of the envelop are uneven in thickness. The downward movement of the plunger ultimately effects the upward movement of the stampaf'lxing` plate, which operation is desirably not commenced immediately upon the downward movement of the plate 8, on which account the elements 12 and 7 have separable engagement, so that there is a material d epression of the plunger before the said elements 7 and 12 contact. The spring 11 permits of any required relative motion within the limits of the device between the element 12 and the plunger that will permit envelops having contents of varying thicknesses to be stamped and sealed. Where a restoringspring is employed, it is made weaker than the spring 11 for an obvious reason.

The plate 8 overlies the stamp-magazine, and in order that the stamp-magazine may be made accessible for replenishing the same, the elements 16, 1S, and 22 are provided with a hinged connection with the base of the device, as indicated most clearly in Figs. 2, 3, 5, and 8. There are two catches 24 projecting through openings 25 in the plate`1 into engagement with teeth26 upon a bar 27, maintained in locking engagement with said catches 24 by the spring 28, which engagement may be broken by the application of the thumb to the pin 29, projecting from the plate 27 through the slot in the base of the device, whereby the plunger and parts immediately associated therewith may be swung to the position indicated in Fig. 5 for the purpose of reloading the stamp-magazine or may be restored to the position shown in Fig. 8 to make the machine fully operative. ln order that no moisture may accumulate within the stamp-magazine, a gutter 30 is provided about the stampmagazine, which may have an outlet pitched downwardly for drainage.

It will be seen that while the sealingplate is operated before the stamp-applying i plate in the operation of sealing and stamping envelops the stamping-plate is removed before the sealing-plate, when the operating hand-lever is released, so that there is no l tendency to remove the stamps from the stamp-box as the envelop is withdrawn, the

IIO

i stamping-plate and and the foundation and stamping plates on envelop. This resultam ableto accomplish i the other side, and an operating-plunger inby reason of the separable connection beeluding in its formation a contractible sectween the stamp-plate and the plunger. tion in the form of a spring, one section of the Itis obvious that changes may readilybe l plunger operating the stamping-plate and made in the preferred embodiment of my inthe other section of the plunger operating vention herein illustrated without departing the sealing-plate, the stamping-plate having from the spirit of the invention, and I do not, separable engagement with the section of the therefore,wish to be limited to the precise l construction shown; but,

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent- 1. An envelop sealing and stamping machine ine-hiding a foundation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the sai-d foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the envelo to be sealed and stamped being interosed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on the other side, and an operating-plunger inl cluding in its formation a contractible seci tion, one section of the plunger operating the i the other section or the plunger operating the sealing-plate.

2. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a foundation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from' the said foundation-plate. afstanwi )ing-platemovable toward and from these: ingplate, the envelbpto be sealed and stamped being interosed between the sealing-plate on one side plunger operating the samel to cause its movement subsequent to the movement of the sealing-plate as the envelop is being stamped and sealed.

5. An envelop sealing and stamping mai chine including a foundation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the said foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the envelop to be sealed and stamped being interosed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on the other side, and an operating-plunger inclu ding in its formation a contractible section in the form of a coiled spring, one section of the plunger operating the stamping-plate and the other section. of the plunger operating the sealing-plate.

6. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a foundation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the said foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the envelop,to be sealed and stamped being interposed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on tlie other side, and an operating-plunger including in its formation a contractible section in the form of a coiled spring, one section of the plunger operating the stampingplate and the other section of the plunger' operating the sealing-plate, the stampingplate having se arable engagement with the section of the p unger operating the same to cause its'movement subsequent to the movement of the sealing-plate as the envelop is being stamped and sealed.

7. A stamp-applying machine including a foundation-plate having an opening therein, "a movable late in said opening constituting, with t Ae walls of the opening, a stamp-magazine, a plate above said foundation-plate for pressing the envelop toward the movable plate constituting a part of the magazine, and a gutter near the opening in the said foundation-plate for receiving water, to prevent its access to the stamps in the magazine.

8. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a foun (lation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the said foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the e'nvelop to be sealed and stamped being interposed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates'on the other side, and an actuating element including 1n its formation a contractible secthe other side, andan operating-plunger including in its formation a contractible section, one section of the Vplu-nger operating the stamping-plate andthe other section of the plunger operating the sealingplate, the stamping plate having separable engagement with the section of the plunger operating the same to cause its movement subsequent to the movement'of the sealing-plate as the envelop is being stamped and sealed.

3. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a found ation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the sai foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the envelop to be sealed and stamped being interosed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on the other side, and an operating-plunger including in-itsformation a contractible section in the form of a spring, one section of the plunger operating the stamping-plate and the other section of the plunger operating the sealing-plate.

4. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a foundation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the said foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the envelop to be sealed and stamped being interosed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on IOO tion7 one section ofthe actuating element l plate and operating the stamping-plate and the other l elementoperating section of the actuating element operating stamping-plate having separable enga the sealing-plate.

9. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a foundation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the said foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the envelop to be sealed and stamped being interposed between tlie sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on the other side, and an actuating element including in its formation a contractible section7 one section of the actuating element operating the stamping-plate and the other section of the actuating element operating the sealing-plate7 the stamping-plate having separable engagement with the section of the actuating element operating the same to cause its movement subsequent to the movement of the sealing-plate as the envelop is being stamped and sealed.

10. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a foundation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the said foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate,l the envelop to be sealed and stamped being interposed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on the other side, and an actuating element including in its formation a contractible section in the t l l l l l l -form of a spring, one section of the actuating i element operating theI stamping-plate and the other section of the actuating element operating the sealing-plate.

t1. An envelop sealing and stamping rnachine including a foundation-plate, a sealingl late movable toward and from the said oundation-'plate7 a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the envelop to be sealed and stamped being interposed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and 'stamping plates on the other side7 ard an actuating element including in its formation a contractible section in the form of a spring, one section of the actuating element `operating the stampingl l l l l 1 l l 1 l the sealing-plate, the

ement with' the section of the actuating e ement operating the same to cause its movement subsequent to the movement of the sealing-plate as the envelop is being stamped and sealed.

12. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a foundation-plate, a sealingplate movable toward and from the said foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable toward and from the sealing-plate, the envelop to be sealed and stamped being interposed between the sealing-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on the other side, and an actuating element incl u di ng in its formation a contractible section in the form of a coiled spring, one section of the actuating element operating the stamping-plate and the other section of the actuating element operating the sealing-plate.

13. An envelop sealing and stamping machine including a four. clarion-plate, a sealingplat e movable toward and-from the said foundation-plate, a stamping-plate movable towar d and from the sealing-plate, the envelop to be sealed and stamped being interposed between the sealirg-plate on one side and the foundation and stamping plates on the other side, and an actuating element including in its formation a contractible section in the form of a coiled spring, one section of the actuating element operating the stampi-Tgplate and the other section of the actuatirg element operating the sealirg-plate, the stamping-plate having separable ergavenient with the section of the actuating eement operating the same to cause its movement subsequent to the movement of the seal ir g-plate as the envelop is being stamped and sealed.

ln witness whereof I hereunto subscribe in v name this 18th day of February, A. D.

CHARLES W. GRAY. VitneSseS:

JACK MONTGOMERY, WM. H. FLrN'r.

the other section of the actuating 5o 

